We were invited to attend as press

This weekend, we headed over to the Cardiff Anime & Comic Con at the Students’ Union in Cardiff, and honestly, it didn’t disappoint.

It’s not our first time at an event like this, and as a family of big comic fans (with a teen who’s completely into anime), it’s something we genuinely look forward to. There’s just something about the atmosphere at these conventions, the energy, the creativity, and the people, that keeps us coming back for more.

So, what did this year have to offer? A lot.

From the moment you walk in, you’re hit with a mix of live entertainment, guest appearances, and rows upon rows of merchandise stalls. Whether you’re hunting for collectibles, artwork, or something totally unique, there’s plenty to tempt you (and trust me… you’ll want to buy everything).

The guest line-up was a real highlight. Across the weekend, there were Q&As, interviews, demonstrations, and live performances happening on stage. There was always something going on, which meant you never felt like you were missing out. I even got to meet the brilliant Valentine Stokes, known for roles in Lackadaisy and Tribe Nine, such a lovely experience and definitely a standout moment for me.

Q&A downstairs
Valentine Stokes (voice actor)

Upstairs, the gaming area was absolutely buzzing and “busy” doesn’t even begin to cover it. It was packed with gamers of all ages, from retro lovers to competitive players. The setup was great: a mix of consoles and PCs, with the option to jump into whatever game you fancied. My boys went straight for a retro classic, Super Mario Bros. on an old-school Nintendo, which brought back some serious nostalgia!

We didn’t get around to the Anime Theatre this time, but it looked like a great space. It’s set up as a chill-out zone with a steady stream of anime screenings throughout the day, perfect if you need a break from the crowds or just want to sit back and enjoy something new (or revisit an old favourite).

The main stage was another highlight for me. There was plenty of seating, which made it easy to relax and take it all in. I really enjoyed the live music while waiting for guest talks to start. The stage events are a huge part of the con, from cosplay masquerade competitions and quizzes to karaoke and performances, there’s always something fun happening.

And of course… the food. If you go, go hungry. From burgers and chips to freshly cooked doughnuts, the food area smelled incredible. I swear my stomach was rumbling the entire time, it was impossible to resist.

One thing I really appreciated was how inclusive the event felt. There were clear adaptations for disabled and wheelchair users, plenty of accessible toilets, and even a quiet room for anyone feeling overwhelmed, which is such an important touch at busy events like this.

All in all, we had a fantastic weekend. My personal highlights? The guest talks and, of course, meeting “That Furry” at the con unforgettable!

If you’re thinking of going next year, my biggest piece of advice is simple: bring spending money… lots of it. Because once you’re there, you’ll want everything.

Thanks again to Cardiff Anime con for the invite!!

Here’s a few Cosplayers –